September 12, 2016 - Msg 105706:
Exactillioso! (:September 12, 2016 - Msg 105707:
And with that little expression...SWISH!
MDCSeptember 12, 2016 - Msg 105708:
I just think all the sport players, actors actress and Hollywood royalty should just quit doing what they do until this country gets right!... You know, those folks are SO much smarter than just us common folk.... Yes, today is Sarcasm Monday....
sar·casm
ˈsärˌkazəm/
noun
the use of irony to mock or convey contempt.
"his voice, hardened by sarcasm, could not hide his resentment"
......What he said...lol.....G-FSeptember 12, 2016 - Msg 105709:
But, lets see,... If us common folk would quit paying for tickets to watch those folks... Wouldn't we ALL be just common folk then?... Hummm put a bucket on your head and give that one a think.... I'm done.... G-FSeptember 12, 2016 - Msg 105710:
GF, You talking about us folks that are "deplorable"? lol

AsaSeptember 12, 2016 - Msg 105711:
Lol Asa,.. Oh by the way, while I was on my rant I forgot to say I'll look in my tool box, I may still have some B&G couplers or some Taco pump seals... Man those couplers used to sure make a racket when they went bad!...Amen?

G-F...September 12, 2016 - Msg 105712:
Oh my goodness GF. I spent the day replacing two seals and a coupler on some Taco pumps!! lol Oh, and I had to replace an air vent on one Weil McClain boiler.

AsaSeptember 12, 2016 - Msg 105713:
Those were the days my friend... We thought they'd never end, forever and a day.... Sing it Asa!....lolSeptember 12, 2016 - Msg 105714:
Between you two and your hvac speak, and RO and BOO's nurse speak, all's i got left is some mayberry speak, but I don't cotton much to that, cuz I'm just one of them bobbie-dazzlin'Englishter's loup sladdles from someplace else! hahaSeptember 12, 2016 - Msg 105715:
MDCSeptember 12, 2016 - Msg 105716:
Your sarcasm sounds a lot like common sense, G-F.
Did you all see the huge American flag that the Washington Redskins brought out to the field?
I wasn't watching football myself, but I saw it online.
If more NFL teams do things like that it might be harder to boycott them.
Actually, just boycott the advertisers and tell them why. That would get the NFL in the mode to do something about those "protesters" pretty quick.

Got any bubble and squeak, MDC?

-Sterling HolobyteSeptember 12, 2016 - Msg 105717:
Hey everyone. I got in from Waco this evening, after attending my Uncle's funeral and am about to turn in but wanted to check in on what has been happening.

MDC, thank you for going to minister to the men at the state prison. Lord bless your efforts. Really neat about the peanut butter sandwiches. :)

I wont weigh in much on the black/white issues other than to say that I never used to wonder if I was hated, but now it comes to my mind. Just this morning we were having breakfast at a cafe and our waiter was a very nice young black man. There was something that was so sweet about him and I immediately liked him...I hate that for a minute or two I looked into his eyes and wondered, "Does he hate white people?". I hate that I thought it, but it's just the way I think sometimes now. It seems to me that all that civil rights advocates in the past had achieved is backing up now. Sad.

Our trip to Waco was very scenic. I never remember seeing the Texas landscape more green and beautiful. I guess all the rain we have been getting is doing the trick. It was an interesting trip and I will fill you in on more of tomorrow. It was a very sweet service for my uncle, but difficult to say goodbye.

Well, I feel like I am just worn out, emotionally and physically so I am going to hit the ironing board. Talk to you all more tomorrow.

BooSeptember 13, 2016 - Msg 105719:
Good afternoon, porch. Boo, I'm glad you're home safe and sound. I hear what you're saying about the black/white interface today, and it concerns me too. I've thought about it a lot, because the same thoughts have been going through my mind for some time now. As I've said before, I have a lot of black friends, good friends, and I don't like wondering whether they really feel the same way toward me that I feel about them, or are they just pretending? Here's where I finally ended up. I like them, I respect them, I enjoy their company, and I'm quite sincere in that. If they're pretending, then that just has to be their problem, and they can deal with it themselves. I will continue to assume that our respect is mutual, and enjoy their company. I refuse to assume that any black person I meet, such as wait staff, a nurse, a clerk in a store, whomever it might be, is really harboring hard feelings toward me for no particular reason. I will assume that they are ready to like me, just as I am ready to like them. I will look them in the eyes, smile at them, and treat them as I would want to be treated. If it's a server in a restaurant, and the service is good and the person friendly, the tip will rise. If they're surly (black or white) and the service is slow without any obvious reason, the tip will sink.

Speaking of table service (I'm chasing a rabbit here), last week I was having lunch in a large chain restaurant, and the service was atrocious. The poor server - a young black man - was seriously overloaded, as were all the servers. They needed at least three more servers on the floor. Ours had a table of 13, another table of 10, and at least six tables of 2, 3, or 4, mostly 4. The poor kid was trying hard, he was obviously experienced, but he just had too many people, and the table of 13 was rowdy, silly, and kept running him back and forth for one thing at a time, instead of combining requests. When we left, I left about a 30% tip. I wasn't about to stiff that kid for something that wasn't his fault. I verbally thanked him too. Then - on the way out, I let the manager know how I felt. I made it plain that I knew it was not the server's fault that the service was so slow, it was obvious he was way overloaded. The manager started whining about people calling sick and leaving him shorthanded. I didn't let that one fly, but instead told him that was his problem as the manager and he should have solved it. Have some stand-by, emergency people on call. Or - see if he can still carry a tray himself? In other words, you're the manager, so manage! I knew he was going to get complaints from a lot of people, and I just wanted him to know that at least one of us knew what the real problem was, and it wasn't the waiter!

Wow. I'm getting testy in my old age, I guess! --RomeenaSeptember 13, 2016 - Msg 105720:
No. not nasty. I'm glad you did what you did. Thank you for the very good insight, I appreciate it, Ro.

I wasn't feeling up to talking about my Uncle's funeral yesterday, but I am today. It was beautiful and it was only a graveside service. I was deeply touched and the memories started coming back as I sat there. What a wonderful, sweet, and gentle man my Uncle was. It came to my mind how at my grandmother's funeral when I was only 5, my uncle stood and held me through the service as I cried. Being blind, he couldn't walk but he stood there and held me. That was my first memory of him comforting me, but not my last. He was one of those people who gave you undivided attention and you knew, really knew he loved you. There were several times, when I had spiritual questions or when I was going through difficult times that he put aside anything he was doing to spend time with me, counsel me, pray for me, just hold me. There really aren't words to describe just what he meant to me through the years (and to his whole family). The memories just flooded back as I sat there. I wanted to just weep but held it in. After the service, I quietly took a walk away from the crown to be alone because I felt like I was just going to explode if I didn't cry. When I let my guard down, I felt something I had never experienced before and it was scary. It almost felt like a panic attack and for a little while I couldn't breathe. It felt like when we were kids and we would fall off something and get the wind knocked out of you. Very strange. The only thing I can imagine is that the losses I have had over the past four years are kind of accumulating..it feels like each painful experience is being stacked on top of another. I thought I was handling things well, but maybe I need to take another look at my emotional well-being..September 13, 2016 - Msg 105721:
continued)... I am feeling angry right now because my sister called me that during the last few days of uncle's life, while he was suffering and couldn't breathe, his daughter and her husband withheld any form of pain medicine. They belong to a religious cult and I guess they thought it was their spiritual duty to withhold narcotics that would have helped him. I am sick and livid. I know it's over now, and he is with the Lord, but I am mad. God help me, I didn't need to hear this today.

I am also concerned about my daughter because some mentally disturbed boy at school is texting her and he is angry because she "likes" someone else. So, now I am worrying about that..still trying to decide how to deal with it. I am going to have a talk with Bruce. Please pray for the situation. With the things you hear on TV about kids carrying a gun to school and shooting their ex-girlfriends and such, it makes me nervous.

Sorry to be such a downer but I have to find away to distress because my stomach is hurting. I know I need to just let it go and pray. Thanks, friends.

BooSeptember 14, 2016 - Msg 105723:
My prayers for the 3 of you who have recently lost loved ones, Boo, Tom, and RO, your friend. Boo- those are such great memories of your uncle.
There is that saying about how after 50 you have more yesterdays in your life than you do tomorrows,
which is so true unless you're one of the rare ones to reach 100. In fact, strange as it may seem, that is one reason why i said yes to the prison visit. During that time, I wasnt watching football millionaires, I was 'watching LIVES' absorbing what we were saying, hoping I was making some difference in them. Some very big, tough guys had tears streaming down their faces. I hope to do it again.
BOO--your opportunity to minister to those kids is so precious. If I had the funds, I'd fix the place up and hopefully it would stay open. Hang in there.
AND BOO, DO NOT DELAY!!!
TALK TO THE PRINCIPAL TODAY!
DO NOT LET THIS GO ON.
SHOW THE TEXTS TO THE PRINCIPAL!
Not trying to be funny, but real!...This MUST be nipped in the bud!!!
Prayers,
MDC

September 14, 2016 - Msg 105724:
MDC, you may not be. HVAC guy or a nurse, but you have a lot of wise advice to bring to the table brother!...
Boo, hang in there, MDC's advice is important, so much so it's in CAPITALS!..
Asa, hope you have a pumpless day!....lol

G-F

September 14, 2016 - Msg 105725:
.....The worst thing about getting old is remembering when you were young..... Alvin StraightSeptember 14, 2016 - Msg 105726:
Wow gang been so busy planting crops..greens cabbage ect. gona read the archives I promise and settle in here for a setting tonight ...prayers ..SPOTSeptember 14, 2016 - Msg 105727:Boo, absolutely - the principal needs to see those texts. It all may be perfectly harmless, just a silly boy being dramatic, but that's a chance you can't take. If nothing else, the kid needs to learn that such things aren't funny and will not be tolerated. If he's really disturbed, then he needs some help, and his parents most definitely need to be aware of what he's doing. MDC is absolutely right.

TOM, how are you doing, my friend? Check in, please!

Spot, I wish I was close enough to you to help you out by taking some of your excess vegetables off your hands! I love greens, cabbage, and just about any and all veggies. Can't think of one I won't eat. Enjoy, my friend. It's hard work, but sure is good eatin'!

Well, I taught ESL this morning, went to lunch with Eloise, stopped by the grocery store, stopped by the hospital and visited Donna, and now I'm home, and looking forward to a little nap. Donna is doing well, but will likely be in the hospital a few more days.

Blessings, friends. --RomeenaSeptember 14, 2016 - Msg 105728:
I think the worst thing about getting old is thinking you're still young, and suddenly discovering that you're not! ;) --RomeenaSeptember 14, 2016 - Msg 105729:
Yes GF, I did all CAPS on that because I think it is really
important that BOO read it and heed it. Too often, things like that are just 'brushed off' and then suddenly
tragedy happens. Especially since she is the one who used the words "mentally disturbed".
RO--How did the ESL class go? At least they don't have to learn the Queen's English, as Sperling said "bubble and squeak" or "four quid and a farthing!" ha
I will jump into the election moulage for just a quick soapbox moment...a good friend reminded me recently to "remember, that we are electing a president, not a pastor." :) And that's all I'm gonna say about that, and that's very 'democratic,' to quote Andy Taylor. :)
MDCSeptember 15, 2016 - Msg 105730:
Possum, hope "Julia" didn't leave you with a possum hole full of water!... My kids are going to be in your neck of the woods, on Friday, they go to Seabrook island every year for vacation.
Hopefully you can make it to M/D's...

Romeena, I'm curious, in your ESL classes how do you teach them the word.. Y'all?... Just curious...lol

Hey Asa... "What are you going to do with that Grabber?".... lol

G-FSeptember 15, 2016 - Msg 105731:
Good morning, porch! Hahaha, G-F. That's a very good question. Friends, whenever you encounter anyone who has learned English as a second language, salute them! It is a major accomplishment. I speak enough Spanish to make me ashamed of myself for not speaking more. It's really quite a simple language to learn, once you quit trying to apply English rules to it, and learn and accept the few simple rules the language follows.

There aren't all that many. A big one is the pronunciation of the alphabet. The Spanish alphabet is almost identical to English, with the addition of a few double letters. All letters, vowels and consonants alike, have one sound, and only one. The five vowels - a, e, i, o, and u make only one sound in Spanish: ah, eh, ee, oh and oo. They don't change. Now, how many ways can you pronounce "a" in English? Can you even think of all of them? Can you give a rule for when to use which sound? Maybe for some, but not for all. Mostly, you just have to learn it by memory. Very confusing.

We think their habit of placing the adjective after the noun it describes is backward. We put an adjective before the noun. Well, our way sounds backward to them! The white cat. They say "el gato blanco." If you said "el blanco gato", they would know what you meant, but they'd look at you funny!

You asked about "y'all." That comes under the heading of teaching about contractions, and is an important lesson, because we use a lot of contractions in English. On the board, I showed them "you all", then erased the "ou" and put in the apostrophe, and pushed the letters together as one word, making one word out of two. I asked them if they ever used contractions in Spanish. All said no, never. Then I asked my favorite sweet little lady what she called her son when she wasn't using his proper name. "Son" is "hijo" in Spanish, pronounced "ee-ho." Proper usage attaches the "mi" (my) to the front, making it actually "my son." She replied "Mijo." (Me-ho.) I wrote "Mi hijo" next to it, then erased the "hi" and pulled the word together. (Spanish doesn't require the apostrophe.) Result - Mijo!) There you have it - a contraction! I saw light bulbs turn on over most of their heads as they caught the similarity, and began to understand what a contraction is. I didn't then, and I won't now, continue with the elaborate diminutive forms of that particular contraction (and others), but it's fun. The "ito" ending is a diminutive, and can be added to the point of being ridiculous. (Mi hijitito, etc.)

OK, that's more than you asked for, I know, but I love this stuff! We English speakers think English is so easy, but trust me on this. When you begin to view it through the eyes of someone whose native language is NOT English, you learn just how difficult it is. Just try to teach it! You will learn the deepest definition of the term "blank stare." --RomeenaSeptember 15, 2016 - Msg 105732:
No Romeena that is fine!.. I guess that is why so many people learn from watching TV... I applaud everyone who learns new languages, it is hard enough trying to master one!...
I won't even ask about.. "Usetacould"....lol I Usetacould be a better speller too!...lol

TOM, how you doing buddy?... Check in and say howdy...

Beautiful day on my end of the porch cooled down to the 70's fall is coming, hopefully not to fast!.... G-FSeptember 15, 2016 - Msg 105733:
Interesting, Ro. I like hearing about your class. When it comes to Spanish, I am doomed!

You will all be happy to know that I did, indeed, follow up with the school concerning Erin's friend, Nick. The principal is a woman, but the assistant principal is a man. I was told that the assistant principal was the one to talk to and that he is the one experienced to handle this sort of thing. I explained over the phone what my concerns were. Yesterday, this kid Nick, actually ran up against Erin in the hallway and shoved her with his shoulder, so I was genuinely concerned. The assistant principal agreed that it was a concern and asked if he could call Erin into the office and talk to her, and then he would call in the boy and "set him straight". Erin said he called her in right away, sat her down and talked with her about it. Erin showed him the text messages and told him what happened in the hallway. The principal said he was going to talk to the boy and Erin said, "It would make my mom feel better". :) He also told Erin if he does ANYTHING else to come straight to him. I appreciated the quick response to the problem. Now, let's hope that is all it takes. If he contacts her again, the next step is that Bruce will go to his house and talk to his parents, and while Bruce is a good man, he can also be very straightforward (nice way of putting it).

Well, I had a rather long day at work and had to be there at 6am. I an absolutely, positively not a morning person. I dragged myself around until about noon, then I got a burst of energy. It's 5pm now, and that burst of energy is gone!

Better go take a break.

BooSeptember 16, 2016 - Msg 105734:
BOO--SO GLAD you nipped it in the bud! You just can't take such things lightly these days! Who knows what influence is behind his behavior, and i
am including 'principalities and powers' in there!
Prayers for Erin for sure.
ROMEENA-- now take the 4th paragraph in your message above, and present that in a classroom full of 'Nicks and Erins' 5 or 6 times a day,and you'll wonder why I am not in a rubber room today! haha Oh my, how did I ever do that?
Like you and your 12 hour shifts, you now wonder the same thing.
ALL-- I may become an Uber DELIVERY driver!
They are looking for such in this area. No passengers involved, just packages and food.
I can work when I want to. I am only looking into it right now and would do it
part time.
Later gators,
MDC

September 16, 2016 - Msg 105735:
Good Friday afternoon all. Been as busy as can be, with being off work for a week, and the rush of getting things prepped for winter, and a few big projects in the works. Oh well, I reckon it's good to be needed.

Boo, Glad to read you are on top of that situation with Erin. So sad that our world today has to make us so careful, but it is what it is.

Be careful out there delivering them ubers MDC. I hear they can be mean. lol

Well I am done for the day and for the week. Go finish my paperwork and head for home.

Prayers for all.

Asa September 16, 2016 - Msg 105736:
Good afternoon, porch. Boo, I'm so glad you brought that boy's behavior to the attention of the administration. There may be nothing to it at all, but you just never know. Kids can get some very weird ideas. I sincerely hope this will be the end of it, that it doesn't require any intervention from Bruce. That could potentially escalate into a bad situation, depending upon how the boy's parents react. I think we can assume they would be defensive, but to what degree - who knows?

MDC, I think I should know this, but I don't. What did you teach - grade school, or a specific subject in high school, or college? I'm sorry I don't know that. If it was lower grade school, then you know about what I'm up against, with most of my students. It would help if I could talk about verbs, adverbs, adjectives, pronouns and all, but a very large percentage of these folks would have no idea what I meant. They speak fluent Spanish, because it's their native language, but their education may be just second or third grade, if that. Some would be on a high school level, and they catch on quicker, and I have had two or three college grads. The majority, however, are pretty poorly educated. They're not dumb, they just haven't had the opportunity for much education. So, we have to make no assumptions, and keep explanations very basic, as in - say "the name of something" rather than "noun." Usually, I will say it both ways, and eventually I can drop "the name of something" because they have gotten comfortable with "noun." Repetition is key, in all things. Also, at the beginning of a class or a topic in class, I tell them what I'm going to tell them, then I tell them, then I tell them what I told them. That comes from my long-ago sales management background, and it works well when you're trying to teach anybody anything. It's known as the three points of making a point.

An Uber driver? Sounds like an interesting job, but I'm glad you won't be carrying fares, just making deliveries. Much safer, I would think. Being able to work when you want to is a good thing. It's one of the things I enjoy about doing home health visits, especially with the agency I work for. The owner/manager is a nurse I mentored when she came to work at the hospital about 25 years ago. We worked together for several years, then she left to open this agency. She lets me do exactly as I please. I do no admissions, recertifications or discharges. I just fill in here and there when another nurse can't go, and only if I want to accept the call. Can't beat a deal like that!

Well, guess I'd better get a little writing done. My little book is coming down the home stretch, will be going to the publisher in a few days. Wish me luck! --RomeenaSeptember 16, 2016 - Msg 105737:
Hey Romeena if you need a pen name, maybe you can borrow Helen Crump's... It was, Helene Alexion Dubois. in the episode "Helen the Authoress".... G-FSeptember 16, 2016 - Msg 105738:
Good luck, Lanni Alexion Dubois...has a ring to it. :) Sure hope the book gets published!

Thank you for those prayers, MDC! We sure need them.. so far, no problems with Nick.

Been a long day at work but TGIF. I am ready for a day off..even though I have work to do here at home. The important thing is that I can sleep in tomorrow. Yay!

BooSeptember 17, 2016 - Msg 105739:
ASA--I got me an uber. I bet you aint got no uber. And i can also tell you how to get a possum from under rock...ha Hope you have a chance to rest a bit this weekend...get yourself a What-a-Burger cuz Sunday is national hamburger day! :)
ROMEENA--I taught junior high (7th and 8th graders) English/Language Arts. Both schools I was at had quite a few who only knew limited English! 12, 13, 14 year olds were both a joy and a big challenge! After years of no contact, several former students found me on Facebook and
have told me that their 'command' of the English language began in earnest in my class! Makes me
feel pretty dang good! But as I have said before here,
your hospital stories beat mine to pieces.
Mine mostly include a janitor and some absorbent!! haha
I think I did tell the one here about when I wrote "stupendous!" at the top of a student's test.
I was getting ready to leave school that day, (very open campuses back then) when the kid's dad
came running up to me, test in hand, yelling "You calling mi son "stupido!!?" OOps!Never made THAT mistake again! :)
GF--yes, I have been praying for Possum regarding Julia too. Possum, please check in.
Prayers,
MDC
GF--September 17, 2016 - Msg 105740:
How did that extra GF get in there? HmmmSeptember 17, 2016 - Msg 105741:
Good morning, porch! MDC, I don't know if I've ever said this before on the porch, but I'll say it now. Words cannot express how much I admire and respect teachers. I could never do what you do! Teaching adults is one thing, but teaching children? I don't think I could do it, at least not these days. The disrespect, the smart-mouth attitudes, the helicopter parents, and even worse the couldn't-care-less parents - nope, I'd end up getting fired for sure. My kids never were allowed to speak disrespectfully to me and get away with it, so I'd never have let anybody else's kids do it either. Your story about the father who misunderstood "stupendous" is funny, and understandable. I'll bet you had very few real problems with Latino parents. I imagine they tend to be respectful of teachers, mostly, at least they used to be. I'm not sure about the current crop of illegals. No, it's the parents like Ethan Couch's parents who would send me into orbit. Entitled, arrogant, respectful of no one, above rules and laws, you know the kind.

Anyway, good on you! Teachers are right there with police officers and fire fighters, as the unsung heroes of our daily lives. --RomeenaSeptember 17, 2016 - Msg 105742:
MDC, I agree with Romeena, it takes a special person to have the patience to be a teacher. I have a few friends who are teaching now... A whole different world now, seems like as much problems with the administration as the students, it's hard to "teach" in that environment. Not that it was easy back in the day, but much more outside influence I suppose...

G-FSeptember 17, 2016 - Msg 105743:
HO HO HO
Sorry the one you are looking for has gong?
Romeena - I M OK THING ARE JUST A LITTLE NUT
FOR NOW, HAVE TO WATCH B I L HE NOT FEELING O GOOD.

Hey Tom, so good to see your post buddy. I hope your brother in law is ok.

I would agree with all the fine things being said about teachers. Teaching for me is hard enough, but trying to teach kids that are not interested in learning, very hard task to try and reach those. I teach our mens group at church about 4 times a year, and really struggle with it. I think the only one who learns anything from my lessons are me. lol In that regard, teaching is a good thing. I get smarter. :)

Boo, How is Sean doing? I hope he is coping ok.

Romeena, Is Donna doing better? I hope so.

So GF, Are you making the trek to Mayberry Days? Man I would sure love to go one of these years. Maybe someday I will make it.

Boy, earlier last week we had snow at a couple of our local ski resorts. This afternoon we will be flirting with 90 degrees. Our weather is bi-polar I think.

Sean is struggling with the industrial math class, and I knew he would. He had severe learning issues growing up and dyslexia. He has overcome the spelling problems and is quite a good writer, but the math stumps him completely. It seems his brain just doesn't work that way. He has made As in all his other courses but if you ask him how many times 8 goes into 10, he just stares at you...so you see the problem. I don't know what we are going to do. On the positive side, he is still working for O'Reilly as a delivery driver and he works some in the store. He likes the job and is a great employee. He is still singing in church, and his
Tourette symptoms are all but gone, thank God. The low dose of Haldol has done wonders in that respect. He stays pretty sleepy a lot of the time, though, which is tough. I am looking at the positives, though, and am very thankful. He only has three or four classes to conquer and he will be finished. Thank you for asking about him. :)

Asa, it has been unseasonably hot here for September. It is always very warm this time of year but we are staying in the mid-90's with high humidity, so it feels over a hundred. This past week, five highschool students near September 18, 2016 - Msg 105747:
oops..hit a wrong key...anyway, five highschool students at a school near us were sent to the hospital with heat exhaustion. One was kept, being more serious than the others. The news said the band director didn't allow the kids to stop for a water break during marching practice and the heat index was about 105. Kids started throwing up and passing out. Needless to say, the school is in trouble. They should realize the danger in that. The kids were marching in the hottest part of the afternoon.

Well, I was supposed to be off yesterday but there were two nurses scheduled at work for the evening shift and one up and quit without notice. My boss called me in a panic and I offered to go in. We have lost three nurses this week, which leaves only one nurse on evenings or none (evening is the toughest shift there). I don't know what is going to happen but I can't go in to work at 2pm on weekdays because of Erin. The boy that has been causing problems is on her bus route and I am afraid he might get off the bus when she does and I wouldn't be at home in case he tries something. I have to be there to pick her up at school or be at the bus stop when she gets home. That is how it has to be right now until I know she is safe. I started to put in my 2 week notice last night but started thinking about it and I think that if they start laying nurses off, I will be one of the first since I am one of only three RNs there. If they lay me off, I can get unemployment if it takes me awhile to find a job. I am thinking things through right now. I know that since we are down to one nurse, the old nurses are going to walk out, rather than work alone, so not sure what will happen. The facility used to spend several thousand dollars on food each week to feed all the kids. The budget was cut to 900 per week. The freezer is empty, there is no bread, no rice.. Something better change. Last night there was sewer gas coming up through the old pipes and the smell was so strong one of the nurses was getting sick. I called maintenance, and a plumber who told me to try to plug the drains until Monday. That stupid place needs to be condemned! Do any of you know if it is dangerous to be smelling the sewer gas?

I hope things are better when I go in tomorrow. Hope you all have a pleasant evening and day tomorrow.

TOM, prayers for you and your brother-in-law, bless your hearts.

BooSeptember 18, 2016 - Msg 105748:
Hey Boo, Yes sewer gas can be dangerous in the right conditions. It sounds like maybe the floor drains have dried out. All drains should have a "p" trap in them. The water in the trap serves to prevent sewer gas from entering in the building. If the drain is seldom used, the water in the trap will eventually evaporate out and then you have a smelly drai. It can easily be dealt with by pouring some water in the drain so that the trap fills up. I don't know if your situation has other issues, but that is something you can try in the future if the problem reappears.
Well I hope Sean can get through the math hurdles. That has to be so very frustrating to him. I am glad his Tourette issues have calmed down. And I am glad you are taking the precautions with Erin. Very warranted I would say.

We had two middle schoolers here in our area that passed away last week. They are thinking they may have been experimenting with a new drug called pink. I guess it is a very potent opioid drug that is killing a lot of teenagers across the country. So very sad. What is happening to our society?

Well off to bed and Matlock for me.

AsaSeptember 18, 2016 - Msg 105749:
Good advice Asa... That is what happens when the maintenance guys don't stay diligent about those things. I myself or my guys would do that monthly during our safety checks, in a elderly building those things we're very important and I was a stickler on that subject!... A lot of people to keep safe...

And Yes, I'm getting ready to hit the road for Mayberry a Days next week... I'll give Floyd a BIG Hey from everyone here on the porch....

Donna is home, doing very well, considering the extremely unusual and difficult surgery she had. Her surgeon is a wonder, and with her wizardry with laparoscopes and the tiny instruments she had at her command through those scopes, it's just next door to a miracle. The surgeon ordered home health for her, Donna chose my agency and requested me, so it appears I will be her home health nurse. However, Medicare has yet to approve payment for home health, saying she doesn't need it, but I have an idea that feisty little surgeon is going to fix that. I know the agency has received her orders, and the manager has said I have the case, but so far, they haven't listed her on my assignment list on the website. I'll call them in the morning.

Boo, the conditions you describe at your workplace are just pitiful. There's just no excuse for that. Who is supposed to be funding the place, anyway? And I second what Asa and G-F said - you hang in there, keeping Erin protected. Also, a dried-out p-trap came immediately to my mind when you described the sewer gas problem. If that's methane gas, and it probably is, in sufficient concentrations, it can be explosive. It can also cause asphyxiation if it replaces enough of the O2 in the area.

The tub/shower in my front hall bathroom is never used unless I have houseguests staying over. So, unless I remember to go in there and run the water in the bathtub, it will start to smell. It doesn't have to happen too often, in order for me to remember. Yuck!

I'm sorry Sean has to struggle so hard with math, but that's not uncommon for someone with dyslexia, as I'm sure you know. I can't imagine how frustrating that would be. I really admire his grit for sticking with things and giving it all he's got.

Well, guess I should consider going to bed. I'm just not sleepy, but maybe I can find something really boring on TV. Shouldn't be too hard, at this hour. Blessings, friends. --Romeena September 19, 2016 - Msg 105753:
Morning porch,hope everyone is doing good. Its Monday again... at work and getting my day started.

The week end flew by, not sure where it went. Not sure if I accomplished a lot either. Went to church and Patrick and Daysie came over for supper. They seem to be doing well.

We were able to move back our sanctuary after the vandalism that happened just before Easter 2 Sunday's ago. Looks exactly the same as before the vandalism,fire and smoke. They never have determined who was responsible. The folks who worked to restore things did an amazing job. felt good to get things back to normal. during the 5 months we were unable to use the sanctuary, we had 2 services, with Sunday school in between the 2. Attendance was up all during that time and the membership grew as well.

Prayers for Sean and his Math struggles. I understand completely. Math was not my best subject going all through my educational years. had a tutor at times to help get through.

G-F: Mr. Maude and I are hoping to get to Mayberry Days on Saturday. With work schedules that is the only day we can make it this year. If you will pass along where we might find you on Saturday afternoon, we would love to visit for a spell. If any other porch folks happen to be going just pass along your plans as well and we will try and meet up. It would be an honor to meet more of my porch friends.

Prayers and blessings to all
Big MaudeSeptember 19, 2016 - Msg 105754:
That's GREAT News Maude!... I do most of my running around on Friday when it is not so busy, I have learned after 16 years of going to the event, Friday is the day to get autographs and such. Saturday I know for sure I will be hanging around the silent auction. I think it is from 10:00-12:00. Sometimes when the weather is rainy they have it inside the playhouse on the stage. So that time is best, at least I know where I'll be at that time. So as last time, around noon?... I try to keep that day flexible because of the crowds...Maybe Possum can come then too?.. Then we can have a Big porch reunion!...lol

If anyone of you who are Possums Facebook friends, could you give her a heads up?...I'd Preciate it!....

Wish y'all could come... I think Old Man Kelsey mowed his corn field so they will have a long landing strip to fly into Mt. Airy International Airport....lol

G-F....September 19, 2016 - Msg 105755:
Thanks Maude for lunch !well the Lord took my Aunt this morning (Mom"s sister) spent each Christmas at her house with all Mom"s side...she will be missed ..lung problems at 83..this heat wave has got to stop here in Ga...87 days this year above 90 !ok to mow to mow here I go prayers SPOTSeptember 19, 2016 - Msg 105756:
Good evening, porch. Spot, I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your aunt. It sounds like you have a lot of wonderful memories of times spent with her, and yes, you will miss her, but you'll see her again. I think about all my aunts and uncles who have gone, and love to think about the fun we'll have when we all get together again. I don't know if Heaven will really be like that - it's probably on a completely different level, something our earthly minds cannot comprehend - but if that's so, that's fine with me. It will be even more wonderful, something God has planned for His children.

It's hot and humid here too, with temps in the upper 90s, and some in the low 100s. I don't even want to know what the humidity is, but when I walked out to get the paper, I felt like I needed a straw in order to breathe.

Medicare has approved Donna for home health care, so I will be seeing her twice a week, first visit tomorrow afternoon. She'll be having a physical therapist also, to help her exercise and rebuild her stamina. She's ready to get started! She has felt so bad for so long, and is now able to see that she's really going to feel so much better, so she's pretty excited. She can't have any solid food for at least two more weeks - her rule of thumb is, if you can't pour it, don't put it in your mouth. Nothing thicker than a smoothie. She's doing fine - our circle of friends are a pretty creative bunch - so she's been enjoying some good stuff! Today one of our Sunday School girls took her a big pot of avocado/mango soup, which is served cold. She said it was wonderful, and she really enjoyed it.

Well, guess I'll go have some supper. Yesterday I cooked big pot of lentils, which I love. I seasoned them with a generous amount of "seasoning bacon" - the kind that comes labeled "Bacon ends and pieces." Asa, if you haven't found this little treasure, check in the cold bin where the bacon is kept, it's usually in a lower bin, not up on the racks, and is in a large lumpy package, about three pounds worth. It's wonderful! Lots of lean chunks, basically just ham, and enough of the fatty part to give it a great flavor. I season with it all the time. Anyway, I also put in garlic, two big Vidalia onions, a dash of Srirachi, salt and pepper of course, a pinch of sugar (always put a pinch of sugar in a big pot of anything, about a scant tablespoon), and let it simmer for about two hours. Watch closely, add water as needed, because it will cook down and burn if you turn your back on it. At the last, I added a can of diced tomatoes, and let it simmer another fifteen minutes or so. The result is not just a pot of lentils, it's a lentil stew and it is absolutely delicious. Add a pan of cornbread if you wish, and you've got a real meal. I sent about half of it over to my neighbor Angie and her sisters. A package of lentils makes a biiiig pot of lentil stew! Try this one, Asa, even if you think you don't like lentils. You might be surprised.